Cooling Fluid Opening Reopening by Optical Reference Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for reopening cooling fluid openings on coated components, such as turbine blades, are laborious and time-consuming due to manual identification and reopening requirements, leading to delays and increased costs, especially when tolerances and geometry changes occur.
Innovation Solution
A process and apparatus that automatically detect reference points and determine the position of cooling fluid openings using a detection device, allowing targeted removal of coating material without manual steps, utilizing existing component features for precise positioning and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification and reopening of cooling fluid openings is performed, then the exact position can be determined, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification and reopening processes with an automated optical detection system. A detection device with light sources and sensors automatically detects reference points and determines the positions of cooling fluid openings, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and manual reopening operations, thereby significantly reducing production time while maintaining high positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The component itself provides the reference points that are used for detection and positioning. The detection device utilizes features already present on the component (such as marking holes or geometric features) to automatically determine the positions of cooling fluid openings, allowing the system to self-determine positions without external intervention or additional manual marking steps
2Measurement precision
If manual reference opening identification is performed, then positioning can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional markings and manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential reference points needed for positioning from the component surface, rather than requiring complex marking systems. The detection device is designed to detect specific geometric features or marking holes that naturally exist on the component, simplifying the overall process by removing unnecessary marking and identification steps while maintaining sufficient positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device serves multiple functions: it detects reference points, determines the positions of cooling fluid openings, and guides the reopening process all in one integrated system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate marking devices, measurement tools, and positioning systems, thereby reducing process complexity while achieving high measurement precision
3Reliability
If cooling air holes are masked and then reopened, then coating protection is achieved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device detects and records the positions of cooling fluid openings before the coating process begins. This preliminary detection allows the system to store position data that can be used to guide the reopening process after coating, eliminating the need for post-coating visual inspection and manual reopening, thereby maintaining coating quality while significantly improving production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detected reference point positions and calculated opening positions as feedback to guide the reopening process. After coating, the system automatically positions the reopening tool based on the stored detection data, ensuring accurate reopening without manual intervention. This feedback loop maintains high reliability while reducing production time by eliminating manual measurement and positioning steps
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for coating a component wherein the cooling fluid ducts contained in the component have to be reopened following the coating step. The component has a first region and a second region, where the first region includes at least one cooling fluid opening having an adjoining cooling fluid channel and where the first region is to be coated with a coating material which is not to be applied in the second region.